Today is the feast day of St. Therese of Lisieux, otherwise known as The Little Flower. If you aren’t familiar with St. Therese, let me share with you her story.
Therese Martin was born on January 2, 1873 in Alencon, France. She was one of five children. When she was only 4 years old, her mother died, so she was raised by her father and older sisters.
At the age of 14, Therese had a spiritual conversion. She became passionate about saving souls for Jesus. When she was 15, she wanted to enter a Carmelite convent. She was too young, however, so she implored Pope Leo XII to give her permission. He said that if it was God’s will, it would happen. Fortunately, it WAS God’s will and she entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux later that year.
While in the convent, she contented herself to living the simple life of a Carmelite nun. She took on the name Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. At the request of her sister, Marie, she began writing her autobiography in which she describes her “little way of spiritual childhood.” This “little way” describes how one can seek holiness through simple daily tasks. It involves activities like heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s will, and doing everyday duties for love of Jesus. Therese’s autobiography would later be published as the book, Story of a Soul.
Therese died of tuberculosis on September 30, 1897. On her deathbed, she said, “My mission – to make God loved – will begin after my death. I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses.”
And so she has. Miracles such as healings have been attributed to St. Therese. Some people who have sought The Little Flower’s intercession have noticed the smell of roses or a rose has miraculously appeared. Other people have felt an inner peace or obtained special graces. The wisdom in her book has inspired countless others around the world.
I want to share with you some of her inspiring words. What follows are some St. Therese of Lisieux quotes in various categories such as prayer, love, and holiness. I hope they bless and inspire you on this feast day of The Little Flower.
St. Therese of Lisieux Quotes
On Prayer
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.
On Faith
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
On Hope
Even now I know it: yes, all my hopes will be fulfilled… yes… the Lord will work wonders for me which will surpass infinitely my immeasurable desires.
On Love
Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.
Jesus does not so much look at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.
On Peace
Let us not be justices of peace, but angels of peace.
On Encouragement
A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.
On Getting Along
It is better to leave each one in his own opinion than to enter into arguments.
On Our Earthly Journey
The world’s thy ship and not thy home.
On Living in the Present
If I did not simply live from one moment to another, it would be impossible for me to be patient, but I only look at the present, I forget the past, and I take good care not to forestall the future.
On Grace
A soul in a state of grace has nothing to fear of demons who are cowards.
On Holiness
Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.
On Sainthood
God would never inspire me with desires which cannot be realized; so in spite of my littleness, I can hope to be a saint.
On Uniqueness
The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.
On God’s Love
Just as the sun shines on all the trees and flowers as if each were the only one on earth, so does God care for all souls in a special manner.
Did you find these St. Therese of Lisieux quotes inspiring? I hope you did and I hope they blessed you and your family. Feel free to share them with others so that we can all work together to spread the love of God and the “little flowers” of St. Therese around the world.